Random Trips

After reading many comments and reviews, I have decided to give a chance to this popular restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey.  Since it is super popular and in demand by the COOL people, I kept my expectance very low. So please read this post while keeping this in mind. Let's start with the reservation. We want to reserve a table by the window to have a good view of the Bosphorus. Their response was very nice - they do not take reservations specific for a table but they were gonna do a favor for that time-, we were sooooo happy. But wait.. The view is not fantastic at all. Actually nothing special because it is very limited. So, do not care to be seated in any area, you will not lose anything.. You will be overdressed whatever you wear. Neolokal located in an modern art gallery,  Salt . Just ask where it is exactly located when you enter Salt. Otherwise, you can take the stairs, assuming Neolokal...

Almost everyone loves a good massage, a clean scrub, nice steam rooms and a warm bath. These are also offered by modern day spas, with package deals, though I always feel something missing from them, as if relaxation is a mandatory requirement, as if when you are in a spa, you have to have a relaxed face with calm breaths and all those symptoms of relaxation. I must say, I am not a big fan of them. Hamams (or Turkish baths) are different. They are built to clean you, not unwind you, no one expects you to make that relaxed face at the end, they just expect you to smell of soap, and that relaxation persists. In Istanbul, there are many hamams, but never go to a mixed gender hamam. Traditional hamams are about bonding with your real friends under a historical dome, cleaning your soul together with cleaning your body. Unlike spas, no one expects you to be quiet in a hamam, instead, everyone reveal their hearts, and gossip, under that co...

All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast. Yep, we all know so far the breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In weekdays, we mostly skip it or just have a quick bite. Tell me about the weekends!   The breakfast tables are awesome during the weekends. Every country has their own style. However, my faves are American Brunch and Turkish Breakfast. I just can't stand the breakfasts only with cereals. OMG so boring! For Turkish people, breakfast is quite serious and no way to skip it. You will notice many restaurants/cafes serve breakfast. Nezih is the best. It is a kebab restaurant with a nice bosphorus view but they are even better in this breakfast business. You will be packed like sardines at Nezih  but it is worth the experience. I highly recommend to make a reservation.  Service and the dishes are extra ordinary. You will not regret it. They serve everything before y...

Last week, Istanbul has experienced a summer day in the middle of February, with a temperature around 20 Degrees Celsius and a clear blue sky. In those days, it is a good option to enjoy the view from the many rooftops of Istanbul, where you can experience the great views of the city in relative immunity from the hustle below. We spent the whole day in four rooftops, around the Beyoğlu-Karaköy area, for breakfast, drinks and dinner. I hope this post helps you to have a great day alike. 1. Breakfast:  5. Kat , Cihangir  5. Kat (5th Floor) is located in the fifth floor of a Cihangir building, with great views of the Bosphorus and the Historical Peninsula. Its view is almost unrestricted which is a rare occasion for Istanbul rooftops. It would also be good for drinks, dinner or private parties as the rooftop is beautifully layered to accommodate such occasions. The breakfast is satisfying with a good selection o...